wed, 7/21...day 202

A few scenes from my new workplace. Same company, but on the main (original) campus now. In one of the original buildings, in fact! You can see it straight ahead in the center of this photo.

Modern buildings and parking garages have sprung up around the old buildings, replacing the woods and much of the open space. This is the cool stairwell for the parking garage nearest to my office. Lots of glass and splashes of color make up a big part of the modern look.

tue, 7/20...day 201

Tynor is taking a class at Lake Washington Technical College called Japanese for Teens. Imagine our surprise when one of the other four students turned out to be his friend Grant from TLS days.

They've been having a great time and learning a lot about the Japanese culture and language.

mon, 7/19...day 200

Now that Tynor has his learner's permit, he eager to chauffer us everywhere. He drove the boys to camp this morning, and then drove down to class in Redmond. He's doing really well, and has been pleasantly surprised by how fun it is to drive.

Niall and Cory are at the Cottage Lake Y camp this week. We'll see how it goes. It's a BIG camp, though of course they divide the kids up in to age groups, and then A, B & C groups as well. Cory is a Pioneer A and Niall is an Adventurer C.

Keeping my fingers crossed that they like the camp and all goes well. It's about half the cost of the Samena camp, and it's just minutes from our house to boot.

sun, 7/18...day 199

It was a beautiful day, and we took advantage of the cool, sunny weather by going out on our first kayak outings of the summer.
Niall and I went out first, for a long paddle up the slough, much farther than we've ever gone before. He has more stamina for paddling this year than he did last year!

As we drifted on the current back downstream toward Grandma's, he kicked back and relaxed - but wanted to hold my hand. So sweet!

Cory and I also paddled further than we did last year, and also went downstream a ways too. We got to see the blue heron - so regal and striking. Cory decided to collect a few grasses, leaves, and other items so that he could "study them later."

He and Niall were both so funny: both wanting to be "in charge" and issue commands about paddling and stopping, going right or left. I guess someone forgot to tell them that the person in charge is the one paddling in the stern. :P

sat, 7/17...day 198

Filled up the van and made a run to the dump today. Always feels so good to get rid of some of the junk lying around, in the side yard and in the garage.

Took two old crib mattresses, FIVE booster/car seats, the no-lights-now Christmas tree that has been sitting in the corner of the family room, pieces of a cabinet that I had removed from the laundry room 6 years ago (!), a crumbling wading pool, and an old hose - among other things!

fri, 7/16...day 197

Tonight the Enso Center camp had a performance for parents and demonstrated to us what they'd been working on during the week. Beforehand, we tried out these harmonic water bowls. You dip your palms in the water, and then rub on the handles. The water starts rippling, and then leaps and sprays out of the bowl. It's quite fun!

This is Niall next to the teacher, Jason, demonstrating sword movements. Niall concentrated intently on all of the moves, not only during this part but all the other demontrations.

He had made a couple of friends during the week, too, which really warms my heart. Love to see him reaching out and having a good time with his peers.

thu, 7/15...day 196

Love these hanging "cups" that act as a downspout at the Enso Center.

And here's my Niall-guy, hanging out on the deck with me. The light was lovely this evening so I had to catch a few photos (of course!)